A mummified monk is a preserved body of a monk which is displayed in Wat Khunaram, Koh
Samui. The body is kept in an upright glass casket inside a temple and it is surrounded by
flowers, incense, candles, sticks and fruit offerings. It offers a great insight into Buddhist and
Thai culture while serving as a stark reminder of Buddhist ways.

The mummified monk is Luong Pordaeng; he died in 1973 while meditating in a seated gesture.
The body has been kept since 1973. The body has started to show traces of decay, though.
Take discretion if preserved bodies terrify you.

The Dictates of Thai Culture on Dead Bodies
While most people may be shocked by dead bodies, Thais respect them. Thai culture
appreciates the end of life as a natural occurrence.
To Thais, death presents an opportunity to be reborn and transcend into a heavenly place
called nirvana. Hence, there are more mummies on Koh Samui, each serving a specific goal.

The History of The Mummified Monk in A Nutshell
Before his demise, Luong Pordaeng (mummified monk) instructed his devotees to publicly
display his body as a sharp reminder of Buddhist teachings. However, he was to be
cremated if his body decayed.
Today, many Thais find inspiration to stick to Buddhist precepts just by viewing the
mummified monk.
Luong Pordaeng was first named Dang Piyasilo at birth in 1984, in Koh Samui. At the age of
20, Luong was ordained a monk. He then disrobed after spending two years at Wat Samret
and married a local woman. They were blessed with six children.

Luong Pordaeng later returned to monastic life and dedicated his whole life to studying and
practising Buddhism. He engaged in deep study and meditation.
Later on, Luong left Bangkok and spent the rest of his days in Koh Samui. Life slipped his
body while he was immersed in a fervent meditation session.